Opera North Youth Chorus (ages 16–21)

Term Time

The Opera North Youth Chorus (ONYC) provides young people aged 16–21 with the skills and experience to become well-rounded performers.

As well as developing their singing voices and musicianship skills with dedicated vocal leaders in weekly sessions, members also work with professional directors and movement specialists to develop skills in drama and stagecraft.

The Youth Chorus explore music from a range of genres, performing in exciting concerts locally and nationally, often alongside the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North and other professionals. An annual residential summer project is an important part of the programme, giving members the opportunity to take part in a staged production, working alongside a professional creative team. Recent performances include ‘The Runaway Royal’ in Leeds Grand Theatre, ‘Trial by Jury’ at The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton, and ‘Pirates Revisited’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Youth Chorus have also devised several new works, working with established composers and librettists.

Many members use their training with Youth Chorus as a springboard to continue their studies (and careers) in the arts.

Price

£71 per term (from Sep 2024). Financial assistance available

Venue

Howard Opera Centre

Times
Wednesdays, 6.45-9pm during term time (no rehearsals in summer term)

Auditions
The next round of auditions will be taking place in May & July 2024. Sign up here to register an interest and to find out more information.

Any questions?
Please contact youthcompany@operanorth.co.uk

How to join

Auditions for Youth Chorus take place annually in the summer and are open to all singers aged 16-21 years (including those aged 15 who are turning 16 in the next academic year).

We are looking for young people who are passionate about singing and performing, and who are committed to exploring new and exciting ways to tell stories and developing key performance skills. No prior knowledge of opera is necessary, and we welcome applications from singers of all levels.

Audition process:
Auditions are split into two parts: 10-minute solo vocal slot and a 20-minute group drama session. Please prepare one song of your own choice (unaccompanied or piano accompaniment). This can be of any style but should be something you are passionate about, and which shows off your voice. Max 3 minutes.

The audition panel will also ask you to do a few vocal exercises to test your range and musicianship.

Next audition dates (to join Sep 2024):
Wed 8 May
Wed 10 July
Wed 17 July

Book your audition